Understanding how HIV hides in the body
Defining the epigenetic landscape at the HIV-1 provirus 3’-end
This work explores how the HIV virus stays hidden in cells, aiming to find new ways to eliminate it for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158583 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even with effective medications, HIV can hide in certain cells, forming a 'reservoir' that prevents a complete cure. Our team is looking closely at how the virus's genetic material is organized within these cells, specifically focusing on a part called the 3'-end of the provirus. We are particularly interested in a surprising finding about how certain markers on the DNA, called histone modifications, help the virus stay hidden or become active. By understanding these basic mechanisms, we hope to discover new targets for future treatments that could wake up the hidden virus or remove it entirely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or are not on antiretroviral therapy would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for eliminating the hidden HIV virus, moving closer to a functional cure for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that histone modifications play a role in HIV latency, and this work builds on those findings with a novel observation about a specific modification.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'orso, Ivan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: D'orso, Ivan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.